Learning essential self-defense principles is vital for protecting yourself in any dangerous situation. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist, understanding these principles can make a significant difference when facing a real threat. In this article, we’ll cover key self-defense guidelines—what you should always do and what you should never do—to ensure you’re prepared to respond effectively in any encounter.
Growing up, self-defense was a common topic of conversation, even before I started studying martial arts. It was the late 70s and early 80s, a time when advice on protection often came from strange places. I still remember hearing one family friend say, “Never stand with your back knee locked; if you’re attacked and someone kicks your knee, it could break your leg.” Even as a child, that stuck with me. Over time, I gathered all sorts of tidbits like that—some useful, some questionable. But as I learned more about self-defense after being a victim of violent crime, I realized I needed a deeper, more practical understanding. That’s when I started seriously training and recognized that, in the martial arts world, everyone swears their style is the best for self-defense. However, the truth is, universal principles apply to everyone, no matter the style.
Self-Defense vs. Fighting
Self-defense is not the same as fighting. A self-defense situation is often life-threatening, leaving no room for escape. On the other hand, a fight can sometimes be avoided. My own experience involved facing three attackers armed with a knife—an extremely dangerous and unpredictable scenario. In situations like these, speed and surprise play a huge role, making it even harder to predict what an attacker will do. It’s dangerous to assume you can always control what happens.
I strongly believe self-defense training should focus on fundamental techniques that can be adapted to a variety of situations. It’s far more effective to master a couple of techniques that you can apply across different scenarios than to learn a wide array of highly specific moves. Keep your training versatile and realistic.
Always
Let’s break down the “always” side of things—practical guidelines that you can incorporate into your mindset and training:
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Always expect randomness. You can’t predict what will happen in a self-defense situation, so being mentally prepared for uncertainty is crucial.
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Always train in a martial art you trust: Make sure you’re confident in the tools your martial art provides for handling a self-defense scenario.
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Always maintain the right mindset: Stay calm and level-headed. The best defense begins with avoiding risky situations and controlling your emotions.
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Always remember that real life isn’t like the movies: Self-defense techniques that work in a controlled environment might not work in the chaos of a real confrontation. You must be prepared to adapt quickly to shifting circumstances.
Never
Now, let’s focus on the key things you should avoid:
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Never rely solely on weapons: Weapons can fail, be taken from you, or be unavailable when you need them most. Train yourself to defend without depending on external tools.
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Never underestimate your opponent: Always assume that your attacker may be stronger, faster, or more experienced than you think.
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Never assume there’s only one attacker: Always stay alert and consider the possibility of multiple assailants.
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Never forget that survival is the ultimate goal: Your primary objective is to survive. If escaping is an option, take it. Surviving is just as important as defeating the attacker.
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Never stop training: A weekend self-defense seminar won’t cut it in a real-life scenario. Ongoing training is essential for developing the skills and mindset necessary to defend yourself effectively. Consistent practice not only builds physical strength but also mental resilience.
In self-defense, there are countless variables that you can’t predict. A concept-driven approach, rather than a specific technique-driven one, will always be more practical. While many martial arts are effective for self-defense, remember that the ultimate weapon is you. Training the mind and body is the key to becoming a capable and resilient defender.
